October 8, 2025 North Babylon

Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser

October 11, 2025

Division 2 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians will be hosting its annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Irish Cultural Center in Babylon Village. This event supports two vital community organizations - the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition and the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition - which provide direct assistance to local individuals and families affected by this devastating disease.

This is a 100% volunteer-led event, and every dollar raised goes directly

to these two frontline organizations. With your generous support, they can continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of those fighting breast cancer right here in our community.

Donations of any size are welcome, and they offer opportunities for corporate and business sponsorships. Your involvement will not only help them reach their fundraising goals but will also show your commitment to the well-being of the community.

You, your colleagues, and your friends are invited to join them on October 11th for a day of fun and purpose. The event will feature

live music, great food, drink specials, games, and a Chinese auction—something for everyone to enjoy while supporting a truly important cause. If you have any questions or would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Information: Ron Rice, Event Chairman, Cell: (631) 335-7191 | Email: ronrice107@ gmail.com, Lucinda Lauro-Rooney, Event Co-Chair, Email: Lucindadiv2@gmail. com

Thank you in advance for your support. Together, we can make a difference.

U-Pick Orchards Across Long Island

Spend the day exploring one of these orchards and pick your favorites right from the tree.

Breeze Hill Farm & Preserve 31215 County RoadRoute 48, Peconic, 631876-5159

Over 75 acres, they offer 26 varieties of apples.

Hank’s PumpkinTown 240 Montauk Highway, Water Mill, 631-726-4667

Long Islanders can pick a wide range of apples, including Ultimate Gala, McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Daybreak Fuji, Cortland, Macoun, Empire, Snow Sweet, Jonagold, Autumn Gala, Cameo, SunCrisp, Mutsu and Autumn Rose Fuji.

Harbes Orchard 5698 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-683-8388 Apple Picking is available at Harbes’ Riverhead

location, which has 15-acres of 27 types of apples on dwarf trees, including Honeycrisp, Daybreak Fuji, Gala and Gold Rush.

Harbes Farms Jamesport 1223 Main Road, Jamesport, 631-494-4796

Honeycrisp apple picking is available at Harbes’ Continued On 16

Josh Marlowe

Victoria Kokolakis Stephan Schulze

North Babylon Names Three New Administrators

North Babylon School District has recently appointed three new administrative positions.

Colleen Cafiso has been named an assistant principal at North Babylon High School, effective Aug. 1. William Dworsak has been appointed director of facilities III, effective Sept. 8, and Michael Colwell was named director of school safety starting Sept. 18.

Ms. Cafiso has served as the dean at North Babylon High School since 2023. She has been working at North Babylon High School as a Spanish

teacher since 2018 and served as the chess club moderator and mentor for new teachers. Ms. Cafiso holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from SUNY New Paltz and a master’s degree in TESOL from Stony Brook University. She also holds certifications in school district leader and school building leader from Molloy University.

Mr. Dworsak previously served as the supervisor of facilities and operations at the Port Washington School District since 2022. He has also worked as the supervisor of facilities and

operations for the West Hempstead School District from 2018-2022 and has held various supervisory positions in neighboring school districts. He holds numerous certifications and also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Baldwin Fire Department.

Mr. Colwell has worked as a security guard in the North Babylon School District since 2019. Prior to that, he was a New York City police sergeant, serving from 1994-2019. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Excelsior College.

North Babylon School District recently announced three new administrative appointments: Colleen Cafiso as assistant principal of North Babylon High School, William Dworsak as director of facilities III and Michael Colwell as director of school safety. Photos courtesy of North Babylon School District

Did You Know?

Legislator Kevin McCaffrey Announces Emergency Preparedness Seminar Series!

Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey is pleased to announce that he has partnered with the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services and the Lindenhurst Memorial Library for an Emergency Preparedness Seminar Series this fall!

On Tuesday, October 21st, the Suffolk County Fire Marshal’s Office will host a hands-on Fire Extinguisher Training, where they will explain to attendees the different types of fire extinguishers, how and when to use them, and the importance of fire extinguisher maintenance!

The Series will conclude on Thursday, November 6th, with a Lithium-Ion Battery Workshop, where fire service professionals will teach attendees the basics of lithium-ion batteries, starting with a basic understanding of what a lithium-ion battery is and including tips for safe storage, handling, and use of batteries. It will also include other related fire safety information.

Attendees can find out more about these great events and register for the individual sessions by visiting the Lindenhurst Memorial Library’s website at https://www. lindenhurstlibrary.org/ events/month.

“The greater Lindenhurst and Babylon communities

are no stranger to the dangers of coastal storms, and it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to share the message of preparedness to keep ourselves, our families, and our neighbors safe during times of disaster,” said Presiding Officer McCaffrey. “I urge all my constituents to attend these great sessions and thank the Lindenhurst Memorial Library and Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services for their tremendous partnership.”

Said Suffolk County Chief Fire Marshal, Dr. Donald G. Lynch: “The Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services is proud to partner with Legislator Kevin McCaffery to provide essential safety training to the public. In today’s rapidly

evolving world, emergency preparedness, proper fire extinguisher use, and lithium-ion battery safety are more important than ever. Together, we are committed to equipping our communities with the knowledge and tools they need to stay prepared, protected, and safe.”

Lisa G. Kropp, Lindenhurst Memorial Library Director said: “As a certified sustainable library, we focus on empowering the local community by providing tools to help them prepare for weather-related and other emergency preparedness events that affect our area. The library enjoys working with local and regional government entities, as it is a great example of collaboration and partnership in support of the shared audience that we all serve. I want to thank Presiding Officer McCaffrey for using his local library as an information gateway.”

As the Suffolk County Legislature’s Presiding Officer, Legislator Kevin J. McCaffrey represents Suffolk County’s 14th Legislative District, which encompasses the Villages of Lindenhurst and Babylon, West Babylon, portions of Copiague and North Lindenhurst, and Babylon’s barrier beach communities.

Reading Is A Beloved Pastime

Tea has been enjoyed as a beverage for thousands of years and has featured prominently in many cultures during that time. The cultural practice of drinking tea is believed to have originated in ancient China. Although there are many different types of tea, the World Tea Council says black tea is the most consumed tea across the globe, comprising around 75 percent of total tea consumption. The most popular type of black tea is Assam tea, which is grown in India. The second-most widely consumed tea is green tea, which accounts for approximately 20 percent of total tea consumption.

Reading is a beloved pastime that can positively affect cognitive health and even help to reduce stress. Though those benefits are largely associated with adults, reading can be equally beneficial to children, even those who have yet to learn how to read. According to

the Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center, an affiliate of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, infants pick up on language earlier than researchers once realized, and hearing language is important as their brains prepare them to speak. Reading also supports word

learning and preliteracy skills in older children. The ECLKC notes that when adults read to children, they typically speak words they would not otherwise use in typical discourse. That helps children expand their vocabularies, even before they learn to read on their own.

OCTOBER HAPPENINGS

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 8th

12:00PM-4:00PM

SENIOR CITIZEN FALL FEST LUNCHEON

Join The New Serenaders at The Irish Coffee Pub for a Fall Fest Luncheon Party. Enjoy an afternoon of delicious food, drink, singing, and dancing fun. Included will be a 3-course meal with choice of entree, unlimited beer, wine, soda, dessert, coffee, tea, music, and more. The Irish Coffee Pub is located at 131 Carleton Ave. in East Islip. For more informaton, please call 631-277-0007

THURSDAY, OCT. 9th

7:00PM

HISTORY OF WANTAGH

Tom Watson of the Wantagh Preservation Society will talk on the History of Wantagh. Seaford Historical Society, at the museum 3890 Waverly Ave. in Wantagh. For more information, please call Judy Bongiovi 516-783-8629

6:45PM-8:30PM BOY SCOUT TROOP 1 INTEREST NIGHT

St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church 39 N. Carll Ave, Babylon Village. Are you a young man that is looking for adventure, personal challenge and community service? Come and meet the Scouts of Troop 1 Babylon and find out what we do to cover those goals. For more information, please call 631290-1314

7:00PM

LINDENHURST HOMEMAKERS EVENING GROUP

HOLIDAYS

13th - COLUMBUS DAY

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY 31st - HALLOWEEN

MAKE A SUBMISSION!

Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com

at the North Amityville Senior Center 48 Cedar Rd. in Amityville. (off of New Hwy.) Open to all, 18 years old & up. Meetings start at 7:00pm, new members should arrive 15 min. early. For more information, please call Lisa LeBrie 516-413-7467

SATURDAY, OCT. 11th

1:00PM 2025 LONG ISLAND COLUMBUS DAY PARADE AND ITALIAN HERITAGE FESTIVAL

The Town of Babylon is proud to host the 2025 Long Island Columbus Day Parade and Italian Heritage Festival. Presented by the New York State Grand Lodge of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. Following the parade, the celebration continues with the Post-Columbus Day Italian Heritage and Culture Family Festival at the Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 in Deer Park, from 1:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Free parking available on Lake Avenue (across from Deer Park Fire Department) with shuttle service to the Lodge, plus street parking nearby.

1:00PM-6:00PM

ANNUAL BREAST CANCER FUNDRAISER

Division 2 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians will be hosting its annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser, at the Irish Cultural Center in Babylon Village. This event supports two vital community organizations - the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition and the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition - which provide direct

assistance to local individuals and families affected by this devastating disease. This is a 100% volunteerled event, and every dollar raised goes directly to these two frontline organizations. For more information, please call Ron Rice, Event Chairman, 631-335-7191 Email: ronrice107@gmail.com, Lucinda Lauro-Rooney, Event CoChair, Email: Lucindadiv2@gmail. com

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15th

7:00PM-9:00PM

THE DEVIL IN NEW YORKTHE WITCHCRAFT TRIAL OF GOODY GARLICK

The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet will host Tara Rider and her presentation "The Devil in New York - The Witchcraft Trial of Goody Garlick". Years before the 1692 Salem witch hunts began, accusations ran rampant. The program will be held at the Islip Public Library, 71 Monell Ave. Free and open to the public. For more information on this, our 2026 Holiday House Tour or to become a member, visit www. isliphamlethistory.org, or call 631559-2915

SATURDAY, OCT. 18th

10:00AM-3:00PM

ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH

THRIFT SHOP / YARD SALE

(Rain or Shine) Thrift Shop Special Event “Pack A Bag” ($5.00) many new items in all categories, Rent A Table - $25.00. 305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park. For more information, please call 631-242-7530

Drive through a suburban neighborhood in October and it’s likely you will find yards filled with inflatable witches, animatronic grim reapers and makeshift graveyards bearing witty sayings on tombstone and bony hands reaching out from the soil.

Decorating Homes For Halloween

Decorating for Halloween has become big business, with consumers spending a collective $10.6 billion in this category in the United States in 2022, according to a survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics and the National

Retail Federation. In fact, decorations, particularly outdoor decorations, were the second most popular way to celebrate Halloween (candy still reigns supreme).

According to research by LombardoHome.com, which looked at Google searches across the country, Las Vegas, Denver, Baltimore, Portland, Oregon, and Seattle were the top five states that searched the most for Halloween decorations on average per capita. Carved pumpkins, skeletons and witch cauldrons topped the list of preferred Halloween decorations in America.

Halloween is an opportunity to pull out all the stops for this fun fall celebration. The following tips can help to turn any home into a Halloween haunt to remember.

• Decide on a theme. Most people fall into one of two camps when decorating for Halloween. There are those who want their

homes to be frightening and full of horrific details, and others who prefer more of a fall harvest look. Identify your preferences and then gather decorative items accordingly.

• Shop early/late. Ideally, the best time to buy Halloween decorations is the day after the holiday when prices get slashed (pun intended). This is the time to stock up on items for next year. You can save anywhere from 50 to 70 percent when buying late in the season. For those who need new items for this year’s Halloween, close-out retailers like HomeGoods and TJ Maxx start putting out Halloween products in the middle of summer. Stock up as soon as you see items, as they’re not likely to remain on shelves for long. By the time October rolls around, decorations may be gone.

• Subtle touches can work. Though some people just love covering every square

foot of a property with all things Halloween, it’s also possible to make a big impact with minimal effort. Lighting, or lack thereof, can create a spooky atmosphere. Swap existing porch lights with yellow or even black lights so everything glows. Candles flickering can add mystery. Place some battery-powered or electric candles in windows for an eerie feel. Swap out your typical curtains with purple or black ones to drape the house in even more spooky appeal.

• Wait on the carved pumpkins. Halloween

seldom is complete without jack-o’-lanterns. But pumpkins often begin to degrade shortly after they’re first carved. Use artificial pumpkins if you plan to decorate early; otherwise, wait until a day or two before Halloween to add freshly carved pumpkins to the Halloween scape. Children can come up with the design, but ensure only adults cut into the pumpkins.

Homeowners can quickly and easily transform their homes into spooky haunts this Halloween.

Chicken Francese

• Eggplant Parmigiana

Spaghetti

Rigatoni

• Chicken Parmigiana • Shrimp Oreganata +$15

Sausage & Peppers

Sundried Tomatoes & Broccoli

Eggplant Rollatine

Shrimp Parmigiana +$15

Hanger Steak w/ Peppers, Onions & Mushrooms Additional Charge

SATURRDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2025 1:30 PM9:00 PM

PARk A VE,

LODGE #22211

PARk,

Free Parking on Lake Ave. across from the Deer Park Fire Depart (with FREE Shuttle service to the festival) and on the surrounding streets around the Lodge.

SHARE the WEALTH SUPER SLIDE

SEATING AREA PETTING ZOO FALL HARVEST FACE PAINTING

Craft and Merchandise Vendors (Just in time for all your Holiday Shopping Needs) RAFFLE BASKETS

LIVE EN TERTAINM ENT

OUIS DEL PRETE

DJ G ENE A ND JOANN E ** THER ESA SARE O

ORE T O ANN OUNCE

** FESTIVAL VENDOR INQUIRY: danielcalise@aol.com 631.682.3568 ** PARADE MARCH INQUIRY: Groups, Floats, Bands, etc. 516.633.1435

Students Celebrate Hispanic Heritage

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, second and third graders at Marion G. Vedder Elementary School in the North Babylon School District participated in a lively and educational assembly hosted by members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority on Sept. 29. The presentation introduced students to the rich history and traditions of Puerto Rican culture.

Through engaging discussions, students explored Puerto Rican foods, language, music, and dance, and learned how storytelling is deeply connected to music and movement. A highlight of the event was an introduction to the traditional Bomba dance, one of Puerto Rico’s oldest cultural expressions. Students not only discovered

its history but also had the unique opportunity to try their hand at playing authentic instruments used in Bomba performances. The assembly served as both a celebration and a lesson, giving students a deeper understanding of Puerto Rican heritage while honoring the diversity that enriches the school community.

Second and third graders at Marion G. Vedder Elementary School in the North Babylon School District celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with Zeta Phi Beta, learning about Puerto Rican food, music, and the traditional Bomba dance. Photo courtesy of North Babylon School District

Town Of Babylon To Host 2025 Long Island Columbus Day Parade And Italian Heritage Festival

Saturday, October 11, 2025 @ 1:00 PM

The Town of Babylon will proudly host the 2025 Long Island Columbus Day Parade and Italian Heritage Festival on Saturday, October 11. Presented by the New York State Grand Lodge of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, the parade will feature lodges, community organizations, marching bands, and floats in a vibrant display of Italian-American pride and tradition. Following the parade, the celebration continues with the PostColumbus Day Italian Heritage and Culture Family Festival at the Constantino Brumidi Lodge #2211 in Deer Park, from 1:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The festival will include live entertainment, cultural displays, family attractions

such as rides and seasonal activities, as well as food trucks, Italian cuisine, vendors, and raffles. This annual event is one of Long Island’s most anticipated celebrations, expected to draw thousands of visitors for a day of music, food,

family fun, and cultural pride.

Free parking available on Lake Avenue (across from Deer Park Fire Department) with shuttle service to the Lodge, plus street parking nearby.

2nd Annual Trail Of Truth March To The Sea Brings Powerful Visual Memorial To Long Island Families Braved Rain To Place ‘Tombstones’

In The Sand To Expose The Ongoing Toll Of Fentanyl And The Opioid Epidemic

The rainy and dreary weather on Sunday, September 7 did not deter the more than 50 people who came out for the Second Annual Long Island Trail of Truth – March to the Sea. The shoreline at Robert Moses Beach, Field 5, was transformed into a striking memorial as grieving families from across Long Island carried handcrafted tombstones to the water’s edge. The Second Annual March to the Sea honored lives lost to substance-use related causes and confronts the deadly rise of fentanyl in the local drug supply.

The National Trail of Truth movement was established 10 years ago by Truth Pharm and Trail of Truth founder Alexis Pleus. Alexis also serves on a statewide coalition to End Overdose in NY and she’s the Co-chair for the New York State Harm Reduction Association. She serves on the National Coalition for Harm Reduction Funding and the Opioid Network.

Part public art installation, part healing ceremony, the Trail of

Truth pairs emotion with striking visuals. Participants walked together toward the surf, placing memorial tombstones in the sand against the backdrop of the iconic Fire Island Lighthouse. Each marker had the name and face of a loved one, revealing the staggering scope of loss hidden behind the statistics.

“This is a memorial arts project that memorializes loved ones lost to substance use issues,” said Mia Huese, of Truth Pharm, said. “For many people the making of the tombstones can be an outlet for their grief.”

The National Trail of Truth will take place in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Sept. 27. For more information visit: https://www.trailoftruth. org

Lori Carbonaro, who lost her son Nicholas in 2014, and organized the event, said “The March to the Sea is a safe, non-judgmental place to remember our loved ones, to say their names, to share who they were, who we knew...not

only what happened to them, they were more ...so much more. Hopefully by us being here it will be impactful enough to help those who are still suffering.”

Steve Chassman, Executive Director of the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug

Dependence (LICADD), said:

“As we remember those lost amid the devastating opioid epidemic, we walk along the shores of Long Island contemplating much needed improvements to public health, empathetic prevention strategies and

more universal access to quality treatment on demand. We remember those loved and lost but continue to voice our support of individuals and families who remain in the struggle of substance use disorder (SUD) in informing them that help is available, Narcan

is accessible and quality resources for treatment exist. These are the universal missions of The Trail of Truth, LICADD, GGT, FIST and all those lending a helping hand in service to others in need.”

For more information about LICADD, visit https://licadd.org

Visiting a local apple orchard and picking one’s fill of apples is a quintessential fall activity. Apple picking is an ideal way to spend time

outdoors when the weather tends to be cool and pleasant. Gathering fresh-from-thetree fruit to turn into favorite fall desserts like cobblers and

Apple Picking Pointers

pies is irresistible. According to the Economic Research Service, Washington state is the leading apple producer

in the United States. It is followed very distantly by New York and Michigan. Apples were first cultivated in Canada by early French settlers, with the first trees planted in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley around 1633. Today, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia have become strong players in the apple business. While other areas may not be apple meccas, those looking to pick their own have plenty of options across North American to enjoy this pastime.

Prior to an apple picking adventure, people can do a little preparation to ensure the afternoon is fun and fruitful.

• Do some research. Before individuals head out, they should do research into the available orchards and which apple varieties they specialize in. Ripening seasons vary,

so certain varieties may not be available at all times. Call ahead to learn which apples are ripe and when.

• Visit early. The best apples are often available early in the season before the trees have been heavily picked over. It’s also a good idea to visit the orchard early in the day, which means cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.

• Dress appropriately. Orchards can be dusty, muddy and buggy. The ground also may be uneven. Individuals can wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes that can get dirty. Also, they should dress in layers, as it can be chilly early in the day and then warmer later on.

• Pick correctly. Instead of yanking on the apples, which can damage the

U-Pick Orchards Across Long Island

Jamesport location, has 7 acres of Honeycrisp apples on dwarf trees.

Jericho Cider Mill

213 Route 106, Jericho, 516- 433-3360

Lewin Farms 812 Sound Ave., Calverton, 631-929-4327

Long Islanders can pick their own Gala,

Honeycrisp and Macoun apples.

Milk Pail U-Pick Farm 50 Horsemill Lane, Water Mill, 631-537-2565

Long Islanders can pick from their Jonamac, McIntosh, Sansa and Zestar.

Seven Ponds Orchard 65 7 Ponds Road, Water Mill, 631-726-8015

People can select Gingergold, Redfree and Zestar apples.

Wickham’s Fruit Farm 28700 Main Road, Cutchogue, 631-734-6441

tree and apples, people should gently roll or twist the apple upwards from the branch. If the apple is ripe it will detach easily with stem intact.

• Avoid bruising. It’s wise to inspect the apples to make sure they are firm and brightly colored. Those with bruising or insect damage should be left behind.

• Don’t overload. Only pick what you need. Apples are delicate, and overloading the apples into bags can crush or bruise the ones on the bottom. Plus, overpicking means that the apples may spoil before they can be eaten. After a day at the orchard, apples can be stored unwashed in a cool, dark place, which will help them stay fresher, longer.

Dating back to 1661, the farm is one of the largest on the North Fork and offers a wide selection of apples in their You Pick Farm.

NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS SERVICE DIRECTORY

All About Apples For Kindergartners At Deluca

On Sept. 26, Mrs. Rebholz’s kindergarten class at William E. DeLuca Elementary School in the North Babylon School District welcomed the fall season with a special celebration honoring Johnny Appleseed. Students learned about the American folk hero while exploring all things apples. The class enjoyed a visit from guest reader Mrs. Campo, a recently retired teacher, who shared a story about Johnny Appleseed. Students also sang songs, made apple prints and created their own Johnny Appleseed crafts. Of course, no apple celebration would be complete without a taste test. Students sampled different varieties of apples and then graphed their favorites. Sixteen students enjoyed all the apples, while two cast their votes for green apples as their top choice.

kindergarten class at

School

the fall

with a

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